To keep your sprinkler system working properly, the system must receive some regular maintenance. The most common tasks you will need to complete is winterizing and activating them before spring.

Sprinkler Winterizing

Sprinkler winterizing is a must for systems in regions where cold winter weather is likely. Water expands when it freezes, and any water trapped in a sprinkler system will put stress on the plumbing, causing cracking and breakage. If your pipes break, you will have a much more costly problem on your hands.

Many people choose to do this project on their own, but if you do not have a great degree of slope to your land you will need to buy or rent an air compressor to blow out all the water. In the long run you'll get your money's worth, though it may be easier to schedule a pro to get this job done right.

Activating the Sprinkler System

When spring comes around, it's time to activate your sprinkler system. This process entails much more than just turning on the water main and hoping for the best. Your professional will follow several steps in order to ensure that it is turned on properly, has the correct pressure and that there are no leaks in the system. They will also clean and check the filters on poorly performing sprinklers and adjust any heads as necessary.

Sprinkler Heads

During the spring and summer, you might start to see an area of your lawn or garden that looks drier than other areas. If so, it might be a good idea to check and see if that sprinkler head is clogged. Over time sprinkler heads can be clogged by dirt or debris, becoming trapped in the ground. Your professional can come out and clean out the sprinkler head so that it starts spraying water again on that portion of the lawn.

Sprinkler Obstructions

Sometimes sprinklers cannot properly perform because of a plant or grass. Make sure to keep your lawn properly maintained so the sprinkler can reach every part of it without any trouble. Also make sure to keep plants in front of sprinkler heads at an appropriate height so the water doesn't solely hit the plant rather than the area all around the plant and sprinkler head.